Every morning, over 15 kilograms of ripe figs are hanging on branches, waiting to be harvested at Al Kharran farms in Ras Al Khaimah. Abdul Latif, the caretaker of the farm, picks up some baskets and enters the greenhouse to pluck the ripened figs before they fall to the ground.
He has turned the fig farm into a resounding success with his techniques.
"I harvest about 10 to 25 kilograms, and on average 15 kilograms a day. I have to pluck them before they fall on the ground," said Abdul Latif, adding that there are over 500 figs plants ranging from 3 feet in height to 7 feet.
Apart from collecting the ripe figs, Abdul Latif has many other tasks scheduled within the greenhouse. "After collection, I clean the entire facility, which is divided into three sections. I water the plants and learn about new breeding techniques. Different types of figs are grown in the facility," said Abdul Latif, who has been in agriculture for ages.
"The UAE's arid and hot climate presents a significant challenge for fig cultivation as the fruit grows in more temperate conditions."
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